February 2016

Fifty years from historic victory, four-car Ford GT entry confirmed for Le Mans

(February 7, 2016) PARIS, France — The organizers of the Le Mans 24 Hours, the ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest), confirmed Friday that all four Ford GTs have received a place on the prestigious entry list for the 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Datsun Go-Cross Concept debuts in India

(February 6, 2016) NEW DELHI, India — Datsun showcased the Datsun GO-cross Concept  for the first time in India Friday at the Delhi Auto Expo 2016. The compact crossover concept is the brand's vision for a potential Datsun GO/GO+ family expansion into high-growth markets, adding a sense of style, adventure and fun to the expo line-up.

Giving the Chrysler 200 a good look

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(February 5, 2016) The current generation Chrysler 200 is a vast improvement over the last iteration in nearly every area. The 200 gives Chrysler a competitive vehicle in the crowded mid-size sedan segment populated by such popular nameplates as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

Ford begins 2016 with record-breaking month in China

(February 5, 2016) Ford started 2016 with record-breaking sales in China, with 130,832 Ford vehicles sold in January, up 36 percent compared to January 2015. Record sales of the Ford Escort, the new Ford Mondeo, and Ford’s sport utility vehicle lineup helped boost January sales.

“We are honored that customers are responding so positively to our vehicles,” said John Lawler, chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China. “The combination of great performance and great value is clearly bringing more people into Ford showrooms.”

Alloy Editions further brand with bronze and titanium finishes

(February 5, 2016) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Adding to the 2016 Chrysler 200S and 300S models’ athletic styling, segment-exclusive technologies and driver-focused appointments, the new 200S and 300S Alloy Editions further the Chrysler brand’s color and material leadership and Detroit-born style with trendsetting finishes that include Dark Bronze and Titanium.
 

Mercedes-Benz starts 2016 with record worldwide sales

(February 5, 2016) Mercedes-Benz started 2016 with record unit sales. In January, 150,814 vehicles were handed over to customers— an increase of 19.9%. The strong growth in unit sales was driven by record numbers in all three core regions Europe, Asia-Pacific and NAFTA. Growth last month was particularly strong in China, where unit sales increased by more than 50% compared with January 2015.

2016 Mini Clubman ALL4: Driven by all four wheels

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(February 5, 2016) The original Mini Clubman was a tiny but spacious station wagon with all of the personality of the two-door, but enough room to make it practical enough for a small family. When BMW introduced a wagon version of its Mini in 2007, the personality remained, but was overpowered by styling and features that lacked needed restraint. However, like the original, the R55 Clubman was only available with front-wheel drive.

Buick ready for restoration



This neglected 1956 Buick appears to be in restorable condition. Buick sold 153,627 copies in '56 with two V8 engine options making 225 horsepower and 255 hp. Prices ranged from $2,416 to $3,704. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

Honda recalls 341,000 Accords over restraint system issue

(February 4, 2016) Honda said it will recall 341,000 Accord sedans in the United States to replace an electric control unit used in its restraint system after confirming two injuries linked to the units. The recall, which affects the model years 2008-2010, is due to moisture affecting the units, which can result in the possibility that airbags may not deploy in the event of a crash, Honda said in a statement today.

Honda said a new restraint system control unit will be installed for free.

General Motors reports operating profit of $10.8 billion for 2015

(February 4, 2016) DETROIT — General Motors has posted a pretax operating profit of $10.8 billion for 2015 — including $2.8 billion in the fourth quarter. Booming sales of pricey SUVs and pickups in the U.S. and a resilient showing in China drove GM’s stout pretax operating profit for the full year, which jumped 67 percent vs. 2014, a year marred costly safety recalls.